Dual Fluorescence Cell Counting and Viability analysis

For over 100 years cell biologists have used manual methods, like haemocytometers, for counting live and/or dead cells in a culture. Although the technique continues to be the golden standard in many labs, manual cell counting can be time consuming and tedious, subjective among users and lack statistical robustness at low sample concentrations.

Automated cell counting has become an attractive alternative to manual cell counting, offering additional capabilities and advantages beyond improved reliability of results and shorter measurement times. Dilution of highly concentrated samples and replicate counts at low cell concentrations are no longer necessary when using the LUNA series of Automated cell counters.

Accurately Distinguish Individual cells from Clusters in 7 seconds

Primary cells are often in a matrix contaminated with undesirable debris that can be miscounted as cells with conventional cell counters. The LUNA automated cell counter, from Logos Biosystems, is an affordable image-based system that uses image analysis software together with a clever declustering algorithm to reliably differentiate live/dead cells from debris and provide accurate cell count across an extended range of cell concentrations. It offers users the ability to count stained and unstained cells in just 7 seconds — 5 times faster than other cell counters.

Automated yeast cell counting and GFP transfection efficiency in 30 seconds

Conventional cell counting systems struggle with differentiating between live/dead cells and nucleated from non-nucleated cells. Image-based systems such as the LUNA-FL with dual fluorescence and brightfield optics can take advantage of specific fluorescent dyes to accurately determine cell count, cell viability and GFP transfection efficiency without being limited by cell type or size. This technique is particularly useful for primary cells such as PBMCs, splenocytes, neutrophils and stem cells. In the case of mammalian cells, the features of two specific dyes — Acridine Orange (AO) and Propidium Iodide (PI) — are used to obtain accurate cell viabilities. AO will bind to the DNA of the both live and dead cells providing counts for the entire population. PI will only enter and stain the DNA of dead cells. The LUNA-FL also features user-defined gating for selective cell counting within a size range which can be valuable for protocols using co-cultures and for primary cells isolated from tissue or organs.

Lowest Cost, Highest Accuracy and Throughput PLUS No Maintenance & No Cleaning

The LUNA-FX7 can accommodate both disposable and reusable slides with the option to count up to 8 samples in one go to maximise throughput. The 3-channel slide facilitates easier data handling and rapid triplicates while the single channel slide has an unmatched maximum counting volume of 5 µL — roughly the equivalent of fifty hemocytometer squares! An increased counting volume provides a lower error (1% CV) for each count which leads to higher accuracy. LUNA-FX7’s broad cell detection range eliminates the need to dilute or concentrate samples, making it suitable for diverse cell counting applications including single cell sequencing and CAR T-Cell therapy.

Unique Bioprocess mode and 21 CFR Part 11 compliance

The LUNA-FX7’s unique Bioprocess mode tracks bioprocessing activities and monitors cell health and growth. The progression of multiple batches can be monitored easily by tagging a batch to a specific protocol. The Bioprocess application calculates doubling times and charts proliferation curves to trace the production and health of cells. With up to a terabyte of internal storage, the LUNA-FX7 can store days, weeks, months, and years of counting results. Cell number concentrations and viabilities are provided with a single tap on the screen.

Pre-fixed fluorescent or brightfield validation slides combined with built-in quality control features allow users to store, monitor and analyse instrument performance over time. By establishing user-defined acceptance limits, the automated tracking and charting functions help ensure compliance with even the most rigorous QA/QC criteria.

When operated in 21 CFR Part 11 mode, the LUNA-FX7™ can provide regulatory compliant electronic records and signature. Our innovative CountWire software allows you to remotely access and manage data from multiple units of LUNA-FX7 connected to the networks. CountWire is an option for GMP applications.

The LUNA-FX7 truly streamlines workflow with exceptionally accurate data in three easy steps. LOAD – COUNT – READ RESULTS. It’s that easy!

This little counter sits comfortably in a cell culture hood or on a benchtop to fit seamlessly into any laboratory.

We invite you to use the LUNA series of Automated Cell Counters today and compare them for yourself.

Contact us to arrange a free trial. For more information: https://www.atascientific.com.au/products/luna-fx7-automated-cell-counter/.